The Short Course brings you the enjoyment of learning in a small group through online webinars. Each session includes a lecture by an academic with expertise in the subject he or she is teaching, giving you access to a wealth of cultural and historical knowledge. We offer two different types of classes: live short courses with a maximum of 15 participants, and recorded lecture courses that you can stream at your convenience.

WHO ARE WE?

The Short Course was created by Dr Nick Gordon to connect you with academic experts who are passionate about their fields and are adept at helping you learn more about art and history. As experienced teachers and public communicators we understand that learning is a lifelong pleasure and that good teaching is about much more than just imparting knowledge. Our philosophy is that good teaching helps you understand more about the history and cultures of the world so that you can see more for yourself, even long after a class has ended.

HOW DO Online Short Courses WORK?

Our online short courses are live events that take place in a virtual private ‘room’ with a maximum of 15 participants - it’s like taking a class. Each short course is divided into sessions; each session begins with a lecture - and because it’s live, you can ask questions and offer comments - and is followed by time for questions and discussion. The lecture component of these sessions is recorded, so if you miss a class then you can catch up later.

Lecture Series

The Short Course also offers recorded lecture courses and live lecture series. Recorded lecture courses can be booked at any time and streamed at your convenience. Our live lecture series run throughout the year and you can book on any session that interests you. As these are designed as stand alone lectures, the maximum number of participants is higher than on our courses (although there is always time for questions!)

HOW DO I BOOK A COURSE?

We use an online booking system, which you can find on the webpage for each course. Simply select your course, complete your details and make your payment by credit or debit card. Our secure online payment system is provided by STRIPE, a secure payment system that is used by organisations such as Google, Amazon, TED, Booking.com, UNICEF and Oxfam.

How do I access the courses?

Short courses take place in a virtual private room in Zoom, a free platform for online meetings and seminars. Zoom works on most desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Zoom requires a computer or device with a camera, speakers and an internet connection.

Once you have booked your place in a course, you will receive a confirmation email. This email contains the link to the Zoom room. Clicking on the link or copying into your browser will start Zoom and take you into a virtual waiting room. Your lecturer or course administrator will admit you to the Zoom room. Only the lecturer and people booked on the course will be allowed into the Zoom room, keeping it a safe and secure online environment.

How do I access recorded lecture courses?

Once you have booked on a recorded lecture course, you will receive a confirmation email with a link in it. You will then receive a second email with a password. The link and password will allow you to access a private webpage, from which you can stream the lectures at your convenience.

HOW BIG ARE THE CLASSES?

Our live short courses have a maximum of 15 participants. A small class ensures that there is plenty of opportunity to talk to one another about the topics and artworks we’re looking at. A small group is much more engaging than traditional online lectures, which are often too large for personal attention to your questions and thoughts.

Our live lectures are stand-alone events and have a higher maximum number.